Here I thought the Baltimore Orioles wouldn’t be making any news this week, yet here we are. Late yesterday the Orioles placed infielder Jonathan Villar on waivers. The O’s had been trying to trade Villar prior to next week’s deadline to tender a contract to players (or non-tender them), but were unable to find a trade partner.
Villar is eligible for arbitration, and the Orioles didn’t want to absorb a dramatic increase in salary for a player who probably won’t be here when everything comes together. It’s a shame to be honest. Villar hit .274 with 24 homers last year. But ultimately baseball and all sports can come down to budgets, and that’s the driving force behind this move.
The Orioles will now look to replace Villar, primarily at second base. However he did at times play shortstop as well. And we’ll discuss where the O’s go from here in due course. Just not today. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in Birdland, and know that I’m thankful and eternally grateful for each and every one of you who read this column daily. Have a wonderful day with your family and/or friends!
Birdland Crush 